The Journey of One Buddhist Nun: Even Against the Wind

by Sid Brown

The gripping story of Wabi, a young Thai woman who sought a religious life, The Journey of One Buddhist Nun recounts her struggle to overcome the numerous obstacles along her path. Wabi left her rural village at 17 to become a Buddhist nun in a land where religious men are honored and religious women are scorned. Despite these conditions, Wabi wanted to study Buddhism, to meditate, and to develop a profoundly religious life. She traveled to a monastery in Bangkok, where she heard she might be able to pursue her dream, but upon arrival found she needed money to become a nun--money she didn't have. Moving from difficulty to difficulty, Wabi finally found a home at a convent of Buddhist nuns, where she gained close friends, an education, and a vibrant meditation practice.

As Wabi's life unfolds on the pages of The Journey of One Buddhist Nun, readers are introduced to the background needed to understand Buddhism, Thai culture, the particular impediments women face in Southeast Asia, and the rewards of a deeply spiritual life. Buddhist philosophy, texts, and meditation techniques come alive as we learn the roles each played in Wabi's life. Western readers will be particularly interested in the description of Wabi's vivid, formative meditation experiences.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Buddhism, Memoir, College

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Taylor Beall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story and information contained within this book is both interesting and a bit surprising. Even though the text itself is somewhat technical, the story flows from the beginning of Wabi's adventure to the end of the author's stay in Thailand. It was a bit one sided, but from a side which is not often exposed within literature.

A fast read, but nonetheless an important one.

[Kacey Lundgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book alternated between being dry and repetitive and then suddenly quite fascinating. I learned a lot about a culture and religion that I didn’t know much about. Days after finishing the book I’m still ruminating over different sections.

[Hanami · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you, achan.

[Allenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

To this day it is one of my most favorite books and I actually practice Christianity, not Buddhism. I felt like I was right along with her on the journey and it is liberating for any open-minded woman, I believe :) I have the urge to read it again. It's been a couple years but it kept my attention the entire time.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

more like an anthro/social work textbook than the biography i expected. it provided a review of buddhism and information on women in Thailand, and it peaked my interest in meditation

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a nun, how she became the person she is, her life experience and how it changes her. Perhaps you can find meaning in her experiences...

[FSU Alumni]

Sid Brown (M.A. '88)